THORNBURY is about to welcome Tim Broke-Taylor to the town for the launch of its annual arts festival.

The comic actor, well known to fans of the BBC Radio 4 comedy show I’m Sorry I haven’t A Clue and a former member of The Goodies, will get the ten-day festival under way at the opening event on Friday, April 15.

He will be joined on stage in the Armstrong Hall at 7.30pm by Bristol writer, broadcaster and former That’s Life! co-presenter Chris Serle to chat about his long career.

The festival continues on Saturday, April 16, with a lunchtime performance by Bristol Male Voice Choir, an evening of Dr Phil Hammond’s subversive comedy and a late-night informal café jazz session with Class Act quartet.

During the following week there will be classical music courtesy of international pianist Robin Green who will join soprano Sarah Gabriel at Old Down Manor, Tockington, for a recital of Forbidden Songs and later team up with violinist Maia Broido and cellist James Barralet for a concert in the Armstrong Hall.

Wartime drama will be provided by the Bristol-based Ministry of Entertainment and there will be various talks on topics ranging from Roman curses to the sherry trade.

Wildlife cameraman Martin Saunders, who has worked with David Attenborough, will go behind the scenes of the Kingdom of The Ice Bear series, while playwright Catherine Johnson and BBC health correspondent Dominic Hughes are among lunchtime speakers booked by the festival team.

Ticket can be bought by visiting www.thornburyartsfestival.com but some events have already sold out, including a concert by singer/songwriter Seth Lakeman and Andy Day’s three Dino Rapping Fun shows.

A guided walk around Frampton-on-Severn is also booked up but there are plans to organise another one later in the year due to is popularity.